Monday, 3 August 2015

What a Difference a Year Makes

I rarely do blog posts about things not related to quilting or sewing so please forgive me today and indulge me as I bask in a little selfish glory.

One year ago today I began a journey, one I have set out on many times in my lifetime but this time I kept on going. I started counting calories............you probably know that in this modern day there is an app for that sort of thing, my son put me on to it.

So I downloaded My Fitness Pal onto my phone. I wasn't keen to do the boring calculation bit but the app is so helpful and even has a barcode reader to zap many, many products.
A few weeks in and a friend put me onto the Hairy Dieters books and their style of cooking really suited me, I bought all three of their books.
I started walking, just neighbourhood stuff but helped by another app, Accupedo, which syncs with My Fitness Pal.
As the weather deteriorated so did my walking zeal.

But the pounds began to drop off, I set little mini targets, I reached them, I set more, I survived Christmas without gaining an ounce.

When I had lost a whole stone (14lbs) I had dropped a clothes size.

For Christmas, my family bought me a fancy Garmin fitness band that I have worn every day since - it recently recorded that I had walked 1.5 million (yes, million!!) steps, since Christmas Day including my poor weather weeks at the beginning of the year.

When my daughter and family moved in for 5 months, she joined in and dropped over 20 lbs helpfully releasing some of her old clothes to me as I continued to move down the sizes.

Husband has now joined in (encouraged by a little advice from the doc) and he too is losing well.

I have learned a good bit about food and come to the conclusion that pastry is possibly the biggest evil, we don't eat so much pasta as we did, I now weigh up (excuse the pun) whether some "naughty" food is worth the cals.

As I approached the one year point my progress had slowed, so to achieve my goal in time I had a wee extra push this last couple of weeks and I am very happy to reveal that I have lost 51.5 pounds which is just over 3 1/2 stones, or 23.3 kilos (my goal was 50) I have dropped 3 dress sizes.

As well as learning about food I have been surprised by the psychological reactions/behaviour (?) I have experienced when shopping for clothes, not really believing that my new size will in fact fit. I slowly realised that I could shop pretty much anywhere I want.

So to conclude, I decided to write this personal post for two reasons. Firstly, to blow my own trumpet and secondly, I realised that I might just inspire one person out there who might have given up trying. I almost had, I had convinced myself that at 62 it would be almost impossible to lose weight.
It's not, and you can!!
The journey will continue but this time, there is no going back.

Congratulations Sheila, you look fantastic and it is a job well done. I have started this one, and plan to check in next July to see what I have managed to achieve, maybe I can do as well as you have, you are very inspiring.

I too have tried many times over the years to lose weight, only to put it all back on at ain but I started using My Fitness Pal in March and my son bought me a Fitbit, same thing as your Acupedo. I don't always manage my 10,000 steps but counting calories has never been easier and I think this is the perfect diet for me. I eat much less carbs and keep track of sugars, salt , protein etc. I have the Hairy Dieters book too and enjoy several of their meals but mostly I just keep to simple foods and weigh it. I am in my 70's and have worried all my life about my weight so it is great to finally find a diet that suits me. Well done US.

WOW! Sheila you are an inspiration and look fantastic! I'm sure your energy levels have increased too! It sounds like you have made permanent lifestyle changes and attitudes which will help you stay at this weight! Well done, Jxo

Fantastic Sheila! So pleased for you! I too have found age makes it harder to keep your weight down and you do have to deny yourself those treats, but good health is worth the sacrifice and the important bit, looking better and buying some new clothes is the icing on the cake!

thanks for the reply to my comment Sheila. I have tried to change from being a No Repky Commenter. Hopefully you should be able to reply to me now. I would be grateful for just a quick word, if it works. I have my doubts though. Thanks. Jenny

Wow Sheila, I am so pleased for yoU. Yes, it's easy just to say the weight gain is due to age and there's nothing you can do. I need to loose about 8 kegs, which compared to what you have achieved, is a walk in the park (literally) . You have inspired this soul,. I have the hairy dieter books too, and do use them, but I will investigate those apps. Congratulations - you should rest yourself - maybe a day at a spa or something xx